10 Best World Championship Races of All Time

Frischi Finally Strikes Gold

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Swiss rider Thomas Frischknecht began the world-championship-era of mountain biking with an unfortunate streak: He finished second in the first three worlds. From 1990 to 1992, he narrowly lost to Ned Overend, John Tomac and Henrik Djernis, respectively.

At the 1996 World Championships in Cairns, Australia, it looked like history would be repeated. Frischi again finished second, this time to French rider Jerome Chiotti. Four years, later, however, Chiotti admitted to doping and his ’96 medal was awarded to the rightful winner, Thomas Frischknecht.

Recalls Martin Whitely: “Finally, the legend that is Thomas Frischknecht got the gold medal and rainbow stripes he richly deserved. It was a victory against drugs, and a belated acknowledgment of Frischi's talent and role in the sport in the ’90s.”